Dales rider. More photogenic not to have riders kitted out like imperial storm troopers.

True but more easy to ride, pads were not something I even considered when I headed for the first time to the Alps with my MTB. Now if I was doing up lift and tear arsing down a hill then yes. However most of my ride time was spent pedaling up never ending slopes in temperatures that would make a sauna seem cool, or getting pi55ed on whilst descending never ending hairpin single track where speed is not an option.
You'll love it
Whatever your choice.

I wear pads when trail riding frequently to avoid an injury because of a moment of inattention, badly taken root etc. I don't wear shin pads, elbows etc but my knees are buggered anyway and don't need any further damage